Swamp Lord with an Intelligence System

White Crow Commerce Association.

A middle-aged man adorned in an elegant purple robe, with each finger graced by gemstone rings, and a round hat embedded with gold and pearls on his head.

His eyes are small, his face plump, with a belly protruding as if seven or eight months pregnant, exuding an air of wealth and shrewdness.

He reclined back in his chair, a scrutinizing gaze fixed on the tense figure before him.

"Blando, as per the agreement, if by September 20th you have not repaid us the gold coins, the White Crow Commerce Association will belong to my Rhino Commerce Association!"

"As it stands, everything here practically belongs to me already."

"I haven't taken action to reclaim it yet, out of respect for our past rapport..."

A dozen robust warriors stood behind him with arms folded, staring coldly at Blando within the room.

Behind him were only a dozen staff from the White Crow Commerce Association.

Comparing the two appearances, one could fear that a charge from the opposing side would completely overwhelm them.

Blando's tone grew colder.

"President Raul, the treaty stipulates that repayment can be extended by three months, but the interest would rise to 15% of the principal."

"It's only been half a month thus far..."

"By tomorrow, everything owed to the Rhino Commerce Association will be repaid without a penny missed!"

The Rhino Commerce Association's president, Raul, looked curious.

"Oh? So confident... I heard you acquired a large volume of weaponry and equipment outside the city."

"It seems it's true after all now."

Blando's eyes narrowed slightly.

A carriage hauling two thousand sets of armor, such a commotion, is hard to keep under wraps.

"So, President Raul, you intend to...?"

The obese face forced a smile bereft of warmth.

"I'm interested in equipment, but even more so, the source of your weapons behind it..."

"Blando, I think White Crow Commerce is missing a partner. How about I join by swapping debt for shares, and we run this weapon trade together?"

"How did you know I have a supply channel behind me, and it's not just a one-time deal?"

"It's simple. After you returned, you immediately sent people to scout the weapon market and even inquired about expanding your store or purchasing new properties."

"I've done plenty of one-off trades too, but considering your character, if this batch of weapons was the only one, right now you'd be inquiring——which noble urgently needs weapons, which mercenary corps are currently on a mission..."

Blando's eyes focused harder, realizing that these old foxes who have roamed Lorand City for decades were indeed not fools.

"So, you want a share of the pie?"

Raul's substantial figure leaned slightly forward, with a tone imbued with a sense of pressure.

"Naturally, you know well, Rhino Commerce Association has stagnated, and to advance further, we must delve into these lucrative businesses."

"But great nobles have practically monopolized this market, and other commerce associations feast merely on the scraps they toss."

"The standardized equipment from those dozens of carriages of yours, no ordinary faction could forge such!"

"Having a stable source is crucial for the equipment trade."

Blando was somewhat impressed, no wonder this guy excelled in the Seventh District.

He had only come back for two hours, just assigned some manpower to gather news and others to unload the equipment, yet the other party could deduce this far.

"But what makes you think the White Crow Commerce Association would collaborate with you?"

The president of the Rhino Commerce Association widened his small, bean-sized eyes.

He spoke with a hint of pride.

"Do you know, how did the Rhino Commerce Association manage to prosper so well over the past few years? Who is backing us?"

"Who?"

"First District, Count Henry!"

"Blando, you'd never have guessed... I pledged allegiance to the Count three years ago, otherwise, how did you think Rhino Commerce Association could expand?!"

"Raul... you really do hide it deep."

"Naturally, the fools around us only see the surface, never realizing that lacking a noble's protection, how could they possibly develop a commerce association?"

"Great nobles have long held sway in every aspect, an ordinary person has no chance to rise!"

"The Henry Clan recently wants to enter the weapon market... and this is a golden opportunity for the White Crow Commerce Association."

"Once you please the Count, the White Crow Commerce Association, like us... can rapidly grow!"

In Lorand City, for commerce associations like them to catch the attention of high nobility is an exhilarating prospect.

Without capable wealth, it is akin to a child carrying gold through a bustling market, attracting countless prying eyes.

When weak, it's fine, but as soon as they grow powerful, they may get slaughtered instantly.

Thus these small commerce associations never grow large.

And the sole path upwards is to ally with a powerful noble.

Blando found it somewhat amusing.

A Count?

Had he heard this months ago, he would have hesitated... but now.

A Count is nothing to me and undeserving of my allegiance?

My master is the Sovereign of Weilu City!

Raising his head, his gaze held a hint of pride.

"President Raul... no need for you to trouble yourself."

"The White Crow Commerce Association now belongs to the Lord, and I am merely the Steward of the White Crow Commerce Association now."

Raul's brows furrowed, seeing no signs of deceit from the other party, he hesitated and said.

"Which Lord is this, one from the First District? Higher rank than Count Henry?"

"No, not exactly... The Lord is a Pioneer Lord, by rank, probably a Baron?"

Raul swallowed slightly.

He wanted to rebut, but he couldn't afford to offend a Baron either... yet still felt somewhat unwilling.

"The Henry Clan obviously cannot be compared with a Pioneer Lord, hope you will consider seriously!"

"No need to say more, President Raul, please leave. I will ensure the debt is fully repaid within these couple of days."